Jabuticaba

The Brazilian grape tree, commonly known as the Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora), is a fruit that grows on a tropical or subtropical evergreen tree that is endemic to Brazil and it is a member of the Myrtaceae family.

The Jabuticaba tree is a cauliflorous tree, which means the flowers and fruits grow directly from the tree's trunks and huge branches rather than stems and they can be seen in tiny groups or individually up and down the Jabuticaba tree's trunk. The tree produces purple fruits with thick skin that are similar to giant grapes.in appearance. It has a spherical shape and turns from bright green when immature to dark purple when completely ripe, giving it a concord grape-like appearance. Its tough skin, which measures an average of one inch in diameter, has a tannic and resinous flavor. A pulpy, translucent white to rose-pink flesh surrounds one to five spherical and flat, light brown seeds within the skin. Jabuticaba flesh has been compared to the flavor of muscadine grapes, which are recognized for their delicious and floral properties. Fresh Jabuticaba fruit is rarely available outside of its immediate growing regions due to its highly perishable nature.

Ways to use Jabuticaba

Culinary

The sweetness of Jabuticaba makes it a popular ingredient in many dessert recipes. Similarly, the fruit is frequently used to make jams, preserves, and juices. The superfood is also well-known for its excellent fermentability. Because of this, the fruits are widely used to make wines, juices, jellies, and they can also be eaten raw. When in season, it is commonly consumed fresh, as well as as a juice product, and preserved all year.

Ornament

Jabuticabas are popular as bonsai or container ornamental plants in temperate climates such as Tawain and parts of the Caribbean due to their sluggish growth and tiny size when juvenile.

Nutrients it contains:

Anthocyanins

Calcium

Copper

Ellagic Acid

Ellagitannin

Fatty Acids

Folic Acid

Iron

Magnesium

Manganese

Niacin

Phosphorus

Potassium

Riboflavin

Thiamine

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Zinc

Health benefits

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory foods are beneficial for people who suffer from unpleasant inflammatory disorders like arthritis, which can lower one's overall quality of life. Diabetes and heart disease are two diseases that can be avoided with the help of anti-inflammatory foods.

Slow the aging process

Damage to our body's cells is one of the leading causes of aging. Jabuticaba fruits' shells contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. Consuming this delicious fruit regularly may assist to prolong the integrity of your skin.

Aids digestion

Jabuticaba fruits have a high fiber content, which helps to maintain intestinal flora and aid digestion. It contains iron, phosphorus, vitamin C, and niacin, all of which aid digestion.

Improves bone health

Calcium, potassium, and magnesium are abundant in Jabuticaba. These minerals improve bone quality. It also helps to prevent osteoporosis and reduces the symptoms of arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis are lowered as a result of Jabuticaba's many anti-inflammatory effects.

Lessens symptoms of asthma

The consumption of these fruits daily can greatly improve the quality of life of asthma patients because asthma symptoms are lessened. It also aids in the clearing of clogged bronchi, which are airway passageways that carry air into the lungs.

Aids in maintaining weight

Jabuticaba can be eaten without worrying about consuming too many calories because there are only 50 calories for every 100 grams of Jabuticaba. Furthermore, the fiber in it makes you feel fuller for longer periods which helps to moderate appetite and prevent overeating.